Your car is worth looking after! Even if you’re not seeing it as a long-term investment, paying attention to your car’s condition will ensure that you continue to make the most of it for years to come.
Furthermore, keeping your vehicle in good condition protects your safety too. Below, we’ve listed five of the most straightforward ways to preserve the value and mechanical integrity of your car.
Get it serviced regularly
Getting your car serviced regularly, around twice a year, is imperative to keep it on the roads. Routine servicing means that potential problems will be identified before they snowball into real ones. And with regular engine maintenance, you can extend the lifetime of your car’s components too.
Servicing usually involves filter changes, which improves fuel consumption and overall engine performance. Timely maintenance means you can enjoy a reliable car that passes its annual MOT test without dangerous defects.
Don’t ignore warning lights
From time to time, it’s natural for things to go wrong when you’re running a petrol or diesel car. However, leaving small issues unchecked means that they will slowly but surely get worse over time, putting both you and your wallet at risk. Don’t ignore those lights on the dashboard.
With mechanical issues comes not only more responsibility but greater risk on the road, leaving you in a potentially dangerous situation if you’re stranded due to a breakdown.
Check and replace the tyres
Tyres are one of the most integral features on a car. As the only part that touches the road surface, they are responsible for smooth and accurate handling, acceleration, and braking.
In wet or icy conditions, tyres give you the necessary grip and traction to keep the car heading in the right direction. Without high-quality tyres, you risk not only having collisions but damaging your vehicle in other ways.
Smooth and evenly worn tires will deliver the best possible fuel efficiency too. This all contributes to a longer lifespan for the vehicle.
Keep it covered
The only way to keep your car safe when things go wrong is by keeping a car insurance policy in place.
Depending on the policy, insurance means that you can claim for compensation to cover repairs or replacement parts if your car is damaged. Many car insurance policies offer protection against theft, fire and vandalism.
Financial compensation in unforeseen circumstances could make the difference between keeping your car needing to replace it.
Clean it!
Finally, washing your car regularly will ensure that the metal bodywork and mechanical components stay clean and rust-free.
Dirt and debris build up and toughen over time. Eventually, dirt can start to corrode the vehicle. A little bit of wear and tear is expected with second-hand cars, but any car that shows visible rust or bodywork deterioration will be deemed unsafe.
Keeping your car in good condition is a responsibility that should never end, no matter how old your car gets.
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